Six young entrepreneurs launch businesses through SLEP’s Summer Company Program

From tennis stringing to 3D printing, the six student-led ventures reflect a wide range of skills and interests across Sarnia-Lambton.

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP), through its Business Enterprise Centre (BEC), has announced the launch of six new student-led businesses as part of the 2026 Summer Company Program.

Funded by the Province of Ontario, the program supports aspiring entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 in turning business ideas into reality. Participants receive up to $3,000 in funding along with mentorship and business training as they build and operate their own businesses over the summer.

"Each year, Summer Company introduces new ideas, new services, and new energy into Sarnia-Lambton's business community," said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. "We are pleased to support these young entrepreneurs as they put their ideas into action and build connections with customers across the region. More significantly, we are excited to see the outcomes of their entrepreneurial journey, and hope that these students are the future of small business in Sarnia-Lambton."

This year's six businesses are:

Inturn Business Support, Sarnia, owned by Jaxon Hudie. The company reduces operational friction for small businesses and nonprofits by taking on administrative tasks and workflow organization. Hudie leads a group of students, known as the Inturnal Team, who build practical skills while helping local organizations stay on track.

RacquetHub, Sarnia, owned by Chinmay Damani. Drawing on his high-level tennis experience, Damani offers tennis and badminton racquet stringing services along with private lessons, combining coaching and equipment maintenance in one business.

Flutterfly Bloom, Sarnia, owned by Lilly Lacroix. The business features originally formulated, all-natural body care products, with a focus on eco-friendly ingredients and transparency for customers who want to know what they're putting on their skin.

River Lawn Care, St. Clair Township, owned by Carter Hayter. Hayter provides mowing, trimming, edging and blowing services in Corunna, Mooretown and Courtright. "The purpose of this business is simple: save my customers time, provide a professional-looking yard, and deliver consistent results at a price that makes sense," Hayter said.

Wills3DCreations, Sarnia, owned by Will Harding. Harding designs and produces custom 3D prints, from personalized gifts to accessories like name signs and themed golf ball markers.

Canvasels, Sarnia, owned by Selina Ton. Ton applies her visual arts background to handmade products including tote bags, key chains, sticker sheets and hand-drawn caricatures. She also runs a Doodle Booth, drawing caricatures in Polaroid and photo-strip formats at markets and events.

Those interested in the businesses' services, or in applying for next summer's program, can contact [email protected] or call 519-332-1820.